Zhang named Highly Cited Researcher for fifth year in a row

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-8626 | desa.james@okstate.edu

Dr. Weili Zhang, professor of electrical and computer engineering in Oklahoma State University's College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, has been named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in the field of physics for the fifth year in a row.

This title is granted to researchers whose publications rank in the top 1% of their field in the Web of Science citation index. Clarivate states, “This select group [of researchers] contribute disproportionately to extending the frontiers of knowledge and gaining for society innovations that make the world healthier, more sustainable and more secure.”

With 410 published articles in peer-reviewed journals and over 20,450 citations coming from those articles, Zhang holds a h-index score of 72. The h-index is a calculation that measures both the productivity and citation impact of a researcher’s publications. It shows Zhang is making an impact in the field of terahertz waves. 

OSU has a leading program in terahertz research, which is a type of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum that is between light and the microwave. They have spectral signatures and unique properties that can be used widely, especially in biomedical and communication. For example, low-frequency terahertz waves are used in body scanners at airports and to gain faster speeds within cell phones.

“When communicating our research, we want to share with our peers not only new ideas, but also quality data and beautiful traces, in line with the words: ‘the beauty and truth are what we seek’ often said by professor Dan Grischkowsky while working in the lab,” Zhang said.

A member of the Cowboy family for 23 years, Zhang expresses his appreciation for all the support he has received from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, CEAT, OSU, his family and students. He notes that worldwide collaboration with other universities, labs and previous students has played an integral role in the advancement of terahertz research.  

Zhang said terahertz wave research has, “major promising applications which include bio-medical sensing and next-generation communications. With this opportunity, I hope terahertz technology will receive broader attention from researchers, communities and societies across the world and move forward to the next level.”